Biomass & Bioenergy industry players storm Accra
By Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh
Industry stakeholders from forestry, wood pellets, wood chips, agro-based biomass and bio-energy power generation from and around the African region will be meeting in Accra at next month’s 2nd Biomass West & Central Africa Congress 2012, to be held from 4th to 5th October at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel
The two-day premier congress will gather global and regional government representatives and key biomass industry market stakeholders from Ghana, USA, Nigeria, Mali, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Cape Verde, D.R. Congo, France, South Africa, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, UAE, Germany, The Netherlands, India, Zambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Denmark, Singapore, UK, etc
This year’s distinguished speakers include: Sonia Medina, COO and Founder, Africa Renewables; Thera Aminata Fofana, Deputy Director General, ANADEB (National Agency for the Development of Bio-Fuels), Ngansop Bernard Maglorie, General Secretary, Association for Research and Promotion of Sustainable Energy in Central Africa (ARPEDAC); Nikiéma Mariam Gui, President, Autorité de Régulation du Sous-secteur de l´Electricité (ARSE);Robert Futter, Director, Cresco Project Finance; Bah F.M. Saho, Renewable Energy Expert and ECOWAS Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), Alexandre Vial.
This Congress is supported by ECREEE. Mahama Kappiah, Executive Director of ECREEE commented: “Biomass is among the most prevalent resources in the ECOWAS Region, which has for centuries provided the people’s energy needs. The use of this resource in the traditional way, has contributed to deforestation and negative health and environmental impacts over the years.
However, the traditional use of biomass is rapidly giving way to modern and sustainable method. The 2nd Biomass congress will bring together key players in government and industry to identify ways of unlocking the potentials of this resource for cleaner and healthier utilization that will rejuvenate the economies of the region particularly in the rural communities for Increased food production, Increasing energy access, and poverty reduction.
This 2-day meeting would be eventful and inspiring and will provide opportunities to learn and share experiences and also establish contact.”
Rober Futter, Director of Cresco Project Finance concurred: “The largest energy focused forum in West Africa. Not just a talk shop – the place for real deal making in the Energy space. Renewable Energy opportunities – could supersede the program in South Africa”. Project opportunities will be presented by various countries.
Mr. Segun Adaju, Project Manager of Access to Renewable Energy (ATRE) NDP/Bank of Industry Nigeria is looking forward to the” opportunity to network with key stakeholders in the biomass industry that will shape the future trend of the industry in West and Central Africa.
My position in shaping the industry in Nigeria through the UNDP/Bank of Industry Access to Renewable Energy Project will benefit from updates on innovative technologies.
The CEO of the conference organizing company, Magenta Global Ptc Ltd, Singapore, Ms Maggie Tan, welcomed the strong support from both the public and private sector.
“We have a very rich program and excellent speakers to examine key areas and to build partnerships between stakeholders.”
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